Well you didn’t think the New York Rangers were going to
sweep the Los Angeles Kings now did you? The Rangers 3-2 loss in the first
overtime was in many ways a self-inflicted loss as the team as despite what
many are going to claim was the Kings domination in the 3rd period
and overtime, I will argue that it was the Rangers and their failure to make
the in-game adjustments that teams have to do in order to win.

Give the Kings credit too as they saw what the Rangers were
attempting to do with those repeated cycles behind the King’s goal and shut it
down by using a 3 man triangle which kept the Rangers from wrapping the puck
around and in or to set up shop in the crease. That one is on the coach because
he didn’t adjust that strategy even when it was clear that it was failing
badly.

And I also wonder why the Rangers didn’t pressure the King’s
defense more? Carl Hagelin yes is a speed demon but not Benoit Pouliot but he
was able to beat the King defenders up ice. The Rangers should try to keep
someone near the top of the blueline to give those 2 King defensemen something
to think about.

The Rangers can also point to the numerous chances that they
just didn’t get on net or committed unforced turnovers when they had a number’s
advantage. If the Rangers had finished even 1 of those opportunities then there
is no overtime and we are talking about the Rangers having stolen the home ice
advantage from the Kings.

The Rangers showed that despite the fears of the Kings being
more physical that the Rangers could play with them. The Ranger penalty kill
shut out a Kings power play that was working at 25+% so there is a plus. Take
away the 3rd period and the teams are dead even in shots.

But for those of you who are jumping off the Ranger
bandwagon please remember that this was just game 1 of the series and even if
the Rangers don’t win game 2 that the series is over. The Rangers have beaten
the Kings on their home ice just like they did to the Rangers at the Garden.

So come back off the ledge please and not give up hope.

Cam Talbot

You know you have to wonder just how hurt Talbot is when the
Rangers added Jason Missiaen to their traveling party. Missiaen who spent most
of the season playing for the Greenville Road Warriors in the ECHL is being
used as a practice goalie. But if you really want to panic then the mere
thought of something happening to Henrik Lundqvist and his replacements David
LeNeveu (last played in the NHL back during the 2006-2007 season) and Missiaen.

In the event that happens then make room for me too on that
ledge as I will be jumping too.

Calle Andersson

In case you missed it the Rangers signed Andersson to an
Entry Level Contract at the same time that they did Mackenzie Skapski.
Andersson a defenseman is Swedish and spent most of last season playing for
Malmo which plays in the 2nd division league in Sweden.

Andersson is viewed as a strong defender who skates well and
has a high Hockey IQ. 6’2 215 is good size but I have wonder if a player from
Sweden’s 2nd division can make the jump to the NHL? We will find out
won’t we?